Did you know that household leaks waste nearly 10,000 gallons of water yearly, and that ten percent of homes have leaks wasting 90 gallons or more per day, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)? With summer’s higher water demands and unpredictable weather, Colorado homeowners need to stay ahead of plumbing issues. Seasonal maintenance now can prevent costly repairs, conserve water, and ensure your home is ready for everything the summer months bring.
Here’s your ultimate Colorado summer plumbing maintenance checklist, a practical guide packed with smart tips to help you protect your system and enjoy a worry-free season.
Step One: Summer Plumbing Prep Starts Outdoors
Colorado’s harsh winters can cause outdoor faucets and irrigation lines to crack or leak. Before you ramp up your watering schedule, check for signs of damage:
- Turn on outdoor spigots and look for leaks or weak water flow.
- Examine sprinkler heads for cracks or clogs.
- Replace damaged parts and tighten loose connections.
Summer plumbing prep starts at the source, ensuring your irrigation system is in good shape, saves water, and protects your landscaping investment.
Step Two: Check for Slow Drains and Hidden Leaks
A slow-draining sink, shower, or tub can be an early warning sign of a clog deeper in your plumbing system. Address it now before it turns into a full-blown backup.
Be on the lookout for:
- Gurgling sounds from drains
- Water pooling under sinks or around appliances
- Damp spots on walls or ceilings
If you spot any of these issues, it’s best to call for professional residential plumbing services. Early detection can prevent major water damage and costly repairs.
Step Three: Test Your Sump Pump (If You Have One)
Colorado summers can bring sudden downpours. Your sump pump is your first line of defense against basement flooding. To test your system, pour a bucket of water into the sump pit and watch to ensure the pump properly activates and removes the water.
If your sump pump fails the test, it’s time to schedule an inspection or replacement before the next storm hits.
Step Four: Schedule Septic System Maintenance
If your home uses a septic system, summer is a smart time to schedule a professional inspection or routine pumping if it’s been a few years. Heavy water from watering lawns, washing cars, and hosting guests can strain your septic system.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that failing to maintain a septic system can lead to backups, system failure, and groundwater contamination, which can pose health risks and result in costly repairs.
Step Five: Inspect and Flush Your Water Heater
Sediment buildup is common in Colorado due to hard water. This sediment can decrease your water heater’s efficiency and shorten its lifespan.
For better performance:
- Flush the tank to remove buildup.
- Check for signs of corrosion, leaks, or unusual noises.
- Suppose your water heater is 10+ years old or showing signs of failure. In that case, consider an upgrade, including energy-efficient options like tankless models.
Regular maintenance ensures hot water for summer showers, laundry, and dishes.
Step Six: Know What Is, and Isn’t, a Plumbing Emergency
When plumbing problems happen, knowing whether you need immediate help is essential. Emergencies involve the risk of severe home damage you might not see, like water behind walls, sewer backups, or gas leaks, and require fast professional intervention. Less urgent issues, like a slow drain or minor faucet leak, can usually wait for a scheduled repair.
Call for emergency plumbing services if you experience:
- Burst pipes
- Sewer line backups
- Major flooding
- No running water
- Gas line issues
Minor leaks, slow drains, or water heater problems without a complete loss of service are typically non-emergencies.
If you’re unsure, the Lion Home Service team can help you determine whether fast action is needed to protect your home.
Step Seven: Monitor Water Pressure and Water Quality
Summer often brings higher water demand. If you notice low water pressure throughout your home, it could signal:
- Mineral buildup in pipes
- Leaks in the plumbing system
- Problems with your main water line
Additionally, it’s a good idea to test your water quality. Colorado’s water sources vary; seasonal changes can affect seasonal hardness and contamination levels. Consider water treatment services like filtration systems or softeners to improve water quality for drinking, bathing, and cleaning.
Step Eight: Protect Your Home Before Vacations
Planning to leave town? Before you go:
- Turn off the main water supply to prevent leaks.
- (Note: If you have automatic sprinklers, pool fillers, or water-based systems that need to stay active, check with a professional about shutting off individual fixtures instead.)
- Set your water heater to vacation mode.
- Ask a neighbor or friend to check on your home if you’ll be away for an extended period.
Taking these steps protects your home while you’re away and provides peace of mind.
Trust Lion Home Service for Residential Plumbing Services in Colorado
At Lion Home Service, we understand how important it is to prevent plumbing problems before they become emergencies. Our licensed plumbers offer expert residential plumbing services across Colorado, from routine maintenance to emergency repairs.
Whether you need drain cleaning, water heater maintenance, leak detection, or emergency plumbing services, we’re here to help with transparent pricing, fast scheduling, and top-quality workmanship.
Lion Home Service offers a full range of plumbing services, including:
- Drain cleaning, repair, and related services
- Drain camera inspections
- Hydro-jetting
- emergency plumbing services
- Expert water heater repair, replacement, and installation
- Tankless water heater services
- Water and sewer line services
- Sewer repair and replacement
- Drain and sewer cleaning
- Sump pump services
- Gas line services
- Leak repair and detection
- Services for Garbage disposals
- Water treatment services, including water softeners, water purifications, whole-house filters, reverse osmosis, and more
Don’t let plumbing issues put a damper on your summer. Following this plumbing maintenance checklist can help protect your home all season. Book online, call Lion Home Service at (970) 510-0522 today to schedule your mid-year plumbing inspection and enjoy a safe, stress-free season!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I have my drains professionally cleaned?
We recommend scheduling a professional drain cleaning once a year or sooner if you notice slow drains or frequent clogs. Regular drain cleaning helps prevent buildup of grease, soap scum, and debris, ensuring that your plumbing system runs smoothly and reducing the risk of expensive repairs.
2. How do I know if my water heater needs to be flushed?
If you notice reduced water pressure, strange noises, or cloudy water, it could indicate that your water heater has sediment buildup. Flushing the tank annually or as needed helps maintain your water heater’s efficiency and extends its lifespan. Our professionals can assess your system and recommend the best action if you are unsure.
3. What are the benefits of scheduling a professional water heater flush?
A professional water heater flush removes sediment buildup from the tank, improving heating efficiency and preventing corrosion. This simple maintenance task can extend the lifespan of your water heater, enhance its performance, and ensure you have reliable hot water throughout the year.
